Job Description

Job Title: Operations Executive

Job Type: Full-time, permanent

37.5 hours per week

Location: Wapping - hybrid (three days in office, two remote)

Reporting to: Head of Operations

About First News:

First News, established in 2006, is the original and leading source of news for children. Available via home and school subscriptions in print and digital, we reach millions of children every week with our award-winning newspaper, app and suite of news-based ed-tech learning solutions.

In today's world, where misinformation is prevalent, our mission is more important than ever. We equip young people with the knowledge and confidence to engage with current affairs and have their voices heard, while also supporting educators with the tools and resources they need to build media and information literacy, critical thinking and debate in the classroom.

We are looking for a proactive and highly organised Operations Executive to join our small, friendly team on a hybrid basis in Wapping. In this role, you'll be at the heart of our operations and customer service, ensuring that our award-winning print and digital products are produced, distributed, and supported efficiently. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, a strong communicator, and ready to step in wherever needed to keep things running smoothly.

Responsibilities

Operations:

Manage the weekly print order and distribution, including liaising with external partners and ensuring accuracy of mailing instructions. Provide first-contact support for production and distribution queries. Maintain IT equipment records and coordinate new hardware acquisitions. Oversee advertising insert deliveries and ad-hoc print or stock requests. Track print runs, back issues, and e-commerce orders to ensure timely fulfilment. Some responsibilities are shared with the Head of Operations; in their absence, you will be expected to cover all duties.
Customer Service:

Work with external Subscription Bureaus to manage queries from both family and school customers. Investigate and resolve complaints, delivery issues, and digital subscription queries. Monitor customer service processes, update templates, and provide guidance where needed. Liaise with internal teams, including Marketing, Finance, and Development, to resolve issues and improve processes. Attend regular quality control and bureau meetings, highlighting recurring issues and patterns.
About you:

You have at least 1 year of relevant experience in customer service or publishing. You are highly organised, process-driven, and detail-oriented. You can work effectively under pressure, managing conflicting deadlines and priorities. You have exceptional communication skills, able to provide clear, professional, and accurate responses to both customers and colleagues. You are collaborative and flexible, naturally willing to support the team and step in wherever needed. You are happy to work at our offices based in Wapping 3 days a week (2 from home.)
What we offer:

25 days holiday + bank holidays (plus option to buy up to an additional 5 days). Long service holiday increase - after 3 years' service holiday increases by 1 day a year (up to 28 days). Work abroad - up to 5 days per year from anywhere worldwide. Emergency leave - up to 5 days unpaid emergency leave per year. Paid carers allowance - up to 5 days paid leave to care for a loved one or relative. Season Ticket Loan. Cycle to work scheme. Flexible working
To apply please send your CV and covering letter describing your suitability to the role to emma.jones@firstnews.co.uk Please note that applications sent without a covering letter will not be accepted.

Job Type: Full-time

Language:

English (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in London E1W 1NA